During his second appearance which took place on Friday, lawyer Mark Swartz asked for an assessment of the mental state of his client Kai-ji Adam Lo, in order to determine if he is able to undergo his trial.
Judge Reginald Harris approved the request.
This evaluation will be made in a place of detention with mental health professionals.
Mr. LO, 30, faces eight counts for second degree murder, linked to the attack on the bolder vehicle during a Philippine Festival in Vancouver last Saturday.
The accused’s appearance took place in videoconferencing.
Open in full screen
The hearing sketch of Kai-ji Adam Lo, during the appearance of May 2, 2025. He was present by videoconference, on the screens of the courtroom.
Photo : Radio-Canada
None of the evidence presented in progress this Friday can be disclosed due to a publication prohibition. Judge Harris maintains that this prohibition of publication is used to ensure a fair and effective trial.
The next hearing will take place on May 30.
To read and listen to:
Police interactions
Steve Rai, the acting Vancouver police chief, said that Mr. Lo had many interactions with the police and mental health professionals, before the attack last Saturday.
The Chairman and CEO of the Mental Health Association for the British Columbia Branch is nevertheless concerned that this case aggravates stigma around mental health.
We saw [ça] After similar events. Will discrimination increase?
wonders Jonny Morris. Will employers say ” you have a mental illness, you might be violent. I’m not going to hire you ”.
And what about owners and people with mental illness?
lance M. Morris, [Est-ce qu’ils diront] We don’t want you to live in our building because of your mental illness?
Prime Minister David Eby announced an examination of the Mental health law British Columbia, after the attack in Vancouver.
Mr. Eby still pointed out, earlier this week that there is several people who suffer from mental health problems in our province, but [que] This man decided to strike children and the elderly in a community celebration
.
This incident highlights additional concerns and the urgency of reforming the mental health law in this province
said the Prime Minister.
With information from Karin Larsen
